"Californication" is a show which contains well-developed characters, great music, intriguing plotlines, and a slew of other entities that make it one of the best shows of all time.
Hank Moody is a writer who wrote a very successful book, which was turned into a movie (which he hates). His life is plagued with meaningless sex and drinking, and he is a laid-back guy who often is vilified by those who do not understand him. He drives a beat-up older Porsche with the top never up, and is constantly trying to get his ex, Karen, back.
His best friend is Charlie Runke, a bald-headed agent who constantly encourages the writer to try and produce something as he's been in quite the dry spell.
This is a show that has all the things guys like -- sports cars, sex, drinking, great music, and more. However, it is beyond these elements that the true substance of "Californication" lies. Hank is a man struggling to get a grip with his ex-wife, whom he loves, and his daughter. He can't write a thing (as he informs a nun in similar terms) and is in this purgatory of discontent with himself.
The first five minutes of this show had me hooked -- the chorus of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones ushers in Hank driving his beat-up Porsche to a church.
The music in this show, largely classic rock and roll, is fantastic. The themes of a misunderstood guy who enjoys a simple life but can't keep his true love is painful. Each character struggles with their own demons, and the show does an excellent job of essentially painting each person's side of the story.
With a plethora of talented guest stars in varying seasons, from Rob Lowe to Marilyn Manson to Rick Springfield, "Californication" is delightfully written and developed. It was the first five minutes of this show that hooked me, and the appeal of Hank as a writer was a major sell. Word to the youth: "Californication" is a very adult show with much nudity and drinking, along with occasional drug usage and lots of swearing.
All in all, this is a show that is extremely well written and down to earth. "Californication" has a great set of characters and themes that keep the viewer amused, and a strong, relatable nature that is rare is television shows.
